Engine Controls; Steering Controls; Steering Maintenance - World Cat 2009 boat Owner's Manual

World Cat

ENGINE CONTROLS

All factory rigged boats will come equipped with a binnacle, which controls the throttle, shift, and trim
mechanisms for your engine. For diagrams and general information about this system, review pages 70 and
71 of the Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts Owner's Manual. Also read the owner's manual provided by the bin-
nacle manufacturer to determine how to operate the features on your binnacle. If any components of this
system need to be replaced, be certain to use the same style and length as the original equipment.

STEERING CONTROLS

Catamarans offer unsurpassed steering control. The wide spacing of the engines, advanced steering
components, and handling characteristics of the World Cat hull give operators exceptional maneuverability
in even the tightest spaces.
Because of the superior tracking abilities of the World Cat hull, oversteering can present a problem,
especially for owners accustomed to operating conventional boats. Conventional vessels have a tendency
to lose tracking abilities in rough and following sea conditions, making constant course corrections neces-
sary. However, catamarans do not exhibit those traits and require operators to take a "hands off" approach.
To do so, relax your grip and fight the urge to make constant corrections.

STEERING MAINTENANCE

The design of a catamaran hull requires a special steering system which features a "liquid tie-bar", as
opposed to the mechanical version used in conventional boats. For this reason, all World Cats are equipped
with a hydraulic steering system, featuring steering cylinders mounted on each engine and a steering sys-
tem valve. This system enables both engines to respond in unison to adjustments at the helm.
In order to maintain the excellent steering characteristics of your boat, occasionally you will need to
adjust the steering system to realign the motors (known as motor toe). To do so follow these instructions:
1. Using the helm, center the starboard motor.
2. Find the steering system valve, located under the inspection port on the center of the transom.
3. Open the valve by rotating it 90 degrees (the handle will be parallel to the valve body when
open). This will isolate the port engine, so that it can be adjusted manually.
4. Center the port motor manually; then close the steering system ball valve and reinstall the
inspection port.
Similar to hydraulic braking systems in an automobile, it may become necessary to bleed the steering
system occasionally to remove air from the lines. We have provided diagrams of the steering system on
pages 4 thru 5, and the Teleflex™ owner's manual in your "Owner's Portfolio". Use these resources, and
your dealer, to keep the steering system in excellent working order. Be aware, these are routine mainte-
nance procedures and are not covered under warranty by World Cat.
Routinely check hydraulic fluid levels, and all connections for leaks or any sign of mechanical fail-
ure. Lubricate all mechanical parts at least annually with high quality marine grease. Failure to
! CAUTION
do so may result in impaired or unresponsive steering.
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